LSU Athletic Director Verge Ausberry didn't hold back in a recent interview with USA TODAY Sports, offering a candid comparison between new head coach Lane Kiffin and former coach Brian Kelly—and the contrast couldn't be starker.

Ausberry emphasized that Kiffin embodies what he calls the "Saban model" of running a complete program. This means not just coaching on the field, but also engaging with alumni, boosters, fundraising, and NIL efforts. "You have to be a part of that," Ausberry said, making it clear that Kiffin is ready to dive into all aspects of the job.

What sets Kiffin apart, according to Ausberry, is his willingness to connect. "He's not one who'll say, 'OK, I don't want people to contact me. I don't want people to touch me. I don't want people to be around me.' That's who we had. That's what we got. There was no feel, there was no connection between the LSU football program, the coach, and the fans."

The message was unmistakably aimed at Kelly, who was fired last fall amid criticism over his inability to build rapport with the LSU community. From the moment Kelly arrived in Baton Rouge, questions about his cultural fit lingered—and those concerns ultimately proved well-founded.

Now, Kiffin steps into the spotlight with sky-high expectations. After LSU secured the nation's No. 1 transfer portal class and retained key players like cornerback DJ Pickett and tight end Trey'Dez Green, the Tigers have their sights set firmly on the College Football Playoff. For LSU fans, the hope is that Kiffin's people-first approach will be the missing piece that Kelly never was.